Revealed: Why Manchester United wants to sign a new goalkeeper! Senna Lamens dispels locker room doubts, teammates initially preferred Emiliano Martínez

Despite Senna Lamens’ strong debut for Manchester United, the club intends to purchase another seasoned goalkeeper next year. Ruben Amorim and the transfer team feel that relying on a single excellent keeper won’t ensure defensive solidity, so they want to replicate the dual-keeper strategy once seen with De Gea and Sergio Romero.

According to TEAMtalk, Premier League transfer expert Dean Jones revealed that although Lamens appears promising, Manchester United still plans to bring in another goalkeeper in 2026. “In the long term, Lamens isn’t guaranteed to be the first-choice keeper, but he has earned the chance to start the next match! For now, he must focus on performing well to change the club’s plans. United seems determined not to appoint a fixed number one, as they want players to compete fiercely for the starting spot every match.”

Jones added, “I believe Manchester United should have given Lamens a chance earlier. His debut was very impressive, so I personally think he has a good shot at starting against Liverpool after the international break. However, I wouldn’t say he’ll immediately become the first-choice keeper, because Bainidier will still get playing time, and United is still searching for other suitable goalkeeping options.”

Regarding Manchester United’s goalkeeper plans, Jones asserted, “I’m quite certain a new goalkeeper will be signed before next summer’s transfer window. If the right candidate is found, the club might even bring someone in during January. Ultimately, this is about the team’s competitiveness and squad depth. Lamens understands the club’s long-term expectations for him, but he also knows that to stay in the squad, he must consistently perform at a high level.”

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that 33-year-old Emiliano Martínez remains a favored target for Manchester United, but Aston Villa’s asking price could remain a hurdle. Villa wants £30 million in transfer fees, which United is reluctant to pay. This week, 23-year-old German goalkeeper Noah Atubolu from Bundesliga side Freiburg has also been linked with Manchester United.

Manchester United correspondent Andy Mitten confirmed that during the summer window, the players in the locker room preferred Emiliano Martínez over 23-year-old Lamens. However, Lamens has won over teammates with his performances. “He was brought in to be United’s number one goalkeeper. From what I know, his training has been solid, but some have told me he needs time to reach that level,” Mitten said. “I haven’t watched his training personally nor need to decide anything, but I support giving a 23-year-old player a thorough evaluation and recommendation before playing him in matches.”

He added, “In the United dressing room, there are indeed some strong supporters of signing Martínez, especially among his Argentine teammates. But I lean towards developing young players to build a foundation for the club’s future. Ideally, any young signing should have already proven themselves in the Premier League. However, that approach isn’t always feasible.”

Lamens delivered an excellent performance in his Old Trafford debut for Manchester United, not only keeping a clean sheet but also showing confidence and composure. After the international break, his true test will come at Anfield against Liverpool. The intense pressure and hostility of an away game will truly challenge the young goalkeeper’s mental strength, as he must perform under immense pressure and constant threat throughout the match.

However, the Manchester Evening News reported that teammates have noticed this 23-year-old’s maturity beyond his years. “His character is very calm, and so far he seems to handle every challenge with ease,” said a Manchester United insider who sees Lamens daily in training. “His training performances are impressive, and everyone praises him highly.”

Lamens attributes his calmness and composure to his parents. He recently moved out of a Manchester hotel to live with his girlfriend in Cheshire, a popular area for many Premier League players. “My parents are very calm and steady as well. Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of becoming a goalkeeper. I believe that no matter what pressure or mistakes happen, staying calm is one of the most important qualities. As long as I keep working hard and contribute my best to the team, that’s what matters.”

Lamens firmly believes Manchester United players have everything needed to succeed. “We have all the ingredients for success. This helps us train in the best way and prepare for matches with no excuses. I feel very good, things have changed a lot, and everything is better now. The team has welcomed me with open arms. The first few weeks were about adapting and settling in. For the past week or two, I’ve been training and starting my new life in Manchester.”

His rival Bainidier emphasized that goalkeepers are both competitors and united teammates. “That’s how it is; we must always stick together,” Bainidier said. “We have a great team, a strong group of goalkeepers. Senna and I always motivate each other on the pitch. Of course, we’re competing for our jerseys, but our relationship is good, just like mine with André Onana. He’s now at Trabzonspor and doing well.”